Just Brenda, I wouldn't get your feathers in a bunch just yet. He is probably talking about histoplasmosis. I doubt you will be in a position to contract that. I found a link to the CDC that explains it. This is from that page: Where is H. capsulatum found? H. capsulatum is found throughout the world and is endemic in certain areas of the United States. The fungus has been found in poultry house litter, caves, areas harboring bats, and in bird roosts. I don't think you plan on living there do you? Any bird that has been brought into or born in the US has to be quaruntined before you can make it your pet. Once they pass that they are banded on their leg. So do not buy a bird that has not been banded. The link is cdc.gov search for histoplasmosis and it will give you the run down. People throwing out stuff like that just makes me nuts. He must not like birds. I will tell you tho, ****atoos (I have a U2) do have dust. And if you have allergies and asthma it might make it worse. But, don't freak about the disease part just yet. Research your bird of choice, make sure it's a good fit with your family and lifestyle and go from there! Good luck! Val

Last night I found toby my sons lovebird dead at the bottom of his cage. We are all heartbroken,especially my son. They grew up together . Toby was approx 12 yrs old and will be greatly missed. Debbie

Erin, I have two ****atoo's. If I would have known how loud, messy, and mean they can be I don't think I would have ever gotten them. They tend to be very jelous birds. They can be very lovable and cuddly, j ust be aware that they can also turn into the boss of you very quickly!! Now that I have my too's I wouldn't give them up for anything on earth, I just wish I would have raised them better. I have had my umbrella since he was a year old and spoiled him way too much, now he demands all of my attention. I rescued a moluccan and he was already 21yrs old so no chance of changing his ways, but he has come around quite a bit. I love my birds dearly and I am not trying to disccourage you from too's, just be carefull!! Check out the website for too's @ mytoos.com. Very informing. You can also e-mail me if you have any questions Leslie

Hi Erin, Just saw your posts re Macaws and ****atoos and noticed you have surgery scheduled REAL soon. LOL to you. I'm scheduled for 4/5/05. I also have a 7 year old Umbrella ****atoo; I've had him since he was a really young guy with pin feathers. I fed him with a dropper for several weeks and he loved it. He also loves ME as a result of my being his primary caretaker and love provider. He is a loveable and affectionate pet to my husband and I but he doesn't care for visitors who take our attention away from him. He yells a lot when we have company and will snap at them if they put a hand in his cage. He really is a gentle lover but likes only his family. We love him. BTW: He pretty much ignores our two little Yorkies. Interesting, huh? katygram1

So sorry to hear about your poor birdies. My ****atiel died over New Years weekend too. It was so sad. He died in my hands. I think birds like to say goodbye before they pass away. I use the glass corning kind of pots.